Supplementation with inulin reverses cognitive flexibility alterations and modulates the gut microbiota in high-fat-fed mice Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study aimed to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation on cognitive flexibility, body composition, and gut microbiota in a mouse model fed a high-fat (HF) diet. Specifically, the study evaluated how inulin modulates cognitive performance and its potential impact on the gut microbiota composition.
Who was studied?
Male CD1 mice were the subjects of this study. The mice were divided into several groups based on dietary interventions, including a control group (C), a high-fat diet group (HF), an inulin supplementation group (I), and a high-fat diet with inulin supplementation group (HFI).
What were the most important findings?
The study found that supplementation with inulin significantly reversed cognitive flexibility alterations induced by the high-fat diet. Mice in the high-fat diet and inulin supplementation group (HFI) required fewer trials to complete cognitive tasks compared to the high-fat diet group, indicating improved cognitive flexibility. The gut microbiota was also significantly altered by inulin supplementation. Notably, the proportion of Lactobacillaceae bacteria was higher in the inulin group compared to the high-fat group, suggesting that inulin may modulate gut microbiota composition in a way that benefits cognitive function. However, the study did not observe significant changes in overall bacterial richness, and the diversity of gut bacteria was lower in the inulin group compared to the high-fat diet group. Additionally, inulin supplementation did not appear to affect body composition significantly, though it may have modulated adipose tissue distribution in specific areas.
What are the implications of this study?
This study provides evidence that inulin supplementation could be a promising intervention for mitigating the cognitive deficits associated with high-fat diets. It suggests that the modulation of gut microbiota, particularly through the promotion of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillaceae, could play a key role in enhancing cognitive flexibility and reducing inflammation. This research points to inulin as a potential therapeutic tool for addressing cognitive dysfunction linked to obesity and metabolic conditions, although further studies are needed to fully explore its long-term effects on brain health and gut microbiota composition.